Southampton boss Claude Puel: Boufal perfect for Premier League

The Saints paid Lille a club record fee of £16million last month, as the Moroccan international moved to St Mary's, penning a five-year deal just days before the window slammed shut.

"He can make the difference," Puel said about the 22-year-old attacking midfielder. "He can beat two or three players in small spaces. This is important.

"We have a good collective, and he has good qualities at dribbling and he can score also and give assists.

"I think he is an interesting addition for the squad, because his profile is different, with the possibility for Boufal making through runs, to express himself with good dribbling ability, and he can take on the opponents with his quickness. It is interesting for us."